PROS
- Great for gaming
- Multithreaded champ
- A genuine step-up over 13700K
CONS
- Hot
- High power draw
The Intel Core i7 14700K introduces notable advancements. It features four additional E-cores compared to the Core i7 13700K and operates at a slightly higher speed, all for a modest increase in price. Given its significant advantages and comparable pricing, it can be considered the sole 14th Generation processor that merits attention over the 13th Generation for your upcoming PC construction.
The 14700K features eight Performance-cores (P-cores) and twelve Efficient-cores (E-cores), currently priced at approximately $418. This price aligns closely with Intel’s suggested retail price, and notably, it is only slightly higher than the Core i7 13700K, which is priced at $415, effectively rendering the previous generation chip obsolete. Although both processors share the same Raptor Lake hybrid architecture, the 14700K is equipped with four additional E-cores and offers clock speeds that are 100 to 200 MHz higher for both E-cores and P-cores when operating under Boost conditions.
The modest increase in clock speed is likely to result in only a marginal improvement in gaming performance, as has been observed with the other processors in the 14th Generation K-series. Nevertheless, the additional E-cores provide a significant advantage in applications that require enhanced processing power, making the inclusion of this extra silicon a valuable asset.
The high-performance P-cores are primarily responsible for handling the majority of gaming tasks, particularly when it comes to maximizing frame rates. Nevertheless, the additional E-cores can also contribute to gaming performance, either directly through the game engine or more commonly by managing background processes and other tasks, thereby allowing the P-cores to focus on gaming. The 14700K/KF and 14900K/KF models include a feature known as Intel Application Optimization (APO), which has demonstrated an ability to enhance the utilization of E-cores. However, its effectiveness is quite limited, and it does not represent the significant advancement I had hoped for.
The 14700K closely approaches the performance of the more expensive Core i9 14900K in most gaming benchmarks I have conducted. In titles such as Total War: Three Kingdoms, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Metro: Exodus, the difference is merely one frame. In F1 2021, the gap increases to two frames. The most significant disparity observed was nine frames in Far Cry 6; however, I find this level of difference acceptable, especially considering the substantial cost savings—currently, one would save $158.
The cost associated with acquiring four additional E-cores is substantial, particularly considering that these E-cores lack Hyper-Threading and are limited to a single thread each. While it may seem unconventional to view it this way, one could contend that Intel is effectively offering a similar performance enhancement at no extra cost with the 14700K. Furthermore, if your primary use of the PC involves demanding processing tasks beyond gaming, the 14700K remains a viable alternative to the 14900K.
The more affordable chip demonstrates remarkable capabilities in multithreading tests, achieving significant scores in Cinebench R23, Blender, and X264 benchmarks. It is essential to prioritize multithreaded performance when considering this Core i7, as the Core i5 14600K exhibits performance that is strikingly comparable in gaming benchmarks.
If multithreaded performance is a significant consideration for you, Intel’s chip outperforms AMD’s impressive 3D V-Cache offerings. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D falls short in numerous synthetic multithreaded benchmarks.
The 14700K often competes closely with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D in gaming performance evaluations. A notable advantage of AMD’s processor is its superior efficiency and reduced power consumption, aspects where the 14th Generation does not excel. Additionally, one can acquire a chip from AMD’s lineup for a slightly lower price than the 14700K; however, the 14700K presents a compelling argument for its multithreaded capabilities.
The 14700K does not stand out as the most efficient or coolest processor available. With a maximum power consumption of 253W and an average exceeding 200W, it closely parallels the performance of the 14900K. Under load, it can reach temperatures of up to 96°C, which is quite warm, even with our robust all-in-one 360mm cooling solution. In contrast, the 7800X3D maintains a maximum temperature of 80°C, which seems significantly cooler.
It presents a challenging choice: should one prioritize multithreaded performance or operational efficiency? This decision can hinge on several critical factors; however, given that both options frequently deliver comparable gaming performance, the reduced power consumption of the AMD processor increasingly inclines me towards the offerings of the red team.
Intel is providing significantly enhanced value with the 14700K compared to earlier generations. For those seeking robust multithreaded performance without compromising on top-tier gaming capabilities, there is no comparable alternative available at this price point.